1. to rule against or disallow the arguments of (a person): The senator was overruled by the committee chairman. 2. to rule or decide against (a plea, argument, etc.); reject: to overrule an objection. 3. to prevail over so as to change the purpose or action: a delay that overruled our plans. 4. to exercise control or influence over: belief in a beneficent deity that overrules the universe.